Protections from sexual harassment for Californians

Sexual harassment is a form of workplace discrimination that violates both federal and state laws in California. It is essential for workers in California to be familiar with legal protections from sexual harassment in their workplaces.

Sexual harassment refers to both unwelcome sexual advances and conduct and actions that are sexual in nature that create a hostile, intimidating and offensive work environment. Unwelcome sexual advances can include visual, verbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature. Workers in California have a right to a workplace free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is usually activity based on sex, however, the harasser and the victim need not be of the same sex for protections from sexual harassment

to apply.

There are different resources and legal remedies available to victims of sexual harassment in California. It is important for workers to be familiar with the sexual harassment policies in their workplace and to document instances of sexual harassment as they occur. Workers should also inform their employer according to the company’s sexual harassment policy. A complaint can also be filed with the appropriate federal or state agency as, again, workplace sexual harassment violates both federal and California state laws.

Additional legal options may be available to victims of sexual harassment as well, which is why it is so important that they know they do not have to suffer from sexual harassment in the workplace. Workers should be familiar with their rights and protections and how to assert them, so they can enjoy a workplace free from sexual harassment.